A Second Chance
Written By: ShadowQueenGalactica
Disclaimer: I do not own anything affiliated with Sailor Moon.
Authors Notes:
This story is an AU; what if Serenity had an older brother in the Silver Millenium and came back after the battle with Sailor Galaxia? One of the first stories/series I wrote when I started writing fan fiction again back in 2019. I'm currently reading through it and adding some scenes where I feel it's lacking and needs some serious editing. This is a completed series, four parts, so I will probably try to condense and combine to make it a 2 part series. Not sure yet.
::Note:: Orion/Serenity will be referring to the others as Guardians, while the other refers to themselves as Senshi. Wanted to explain this in case anyone was like, WTH?! XD
I'm not a professional writer by any means and I have never claimed to be one. There are going to be grammatical errors and all kinds of other cringe-worthy errors, but this is how I write, hopefully for the time being until can approve over time. If this bother's you, then please do not read my stories, and please do not leave hateful/negative comments in regard to this. I'm already fully aware that I struggle with English grammar, you don't have to waste both my time and yours by telling me something I know and already acknowledge. XD
With all that said, I hope you enjoy the story, whether it's your first time or your hundredth time reading it. Just know, that I enjoy doing what I do, and plan to bring many more to the community. If you don't like my stories, then don't read them, there's plenty to read on FFN. That's the beauty of this site.
Reviews:
MB2213: Thank you so much for being my first review, I'm so glad you enjoyed the Prologue. Hope you enjoy Chapter 1 as well. ❤
Part I Completed: July 2019
Ch1 Revised: September 27, 2022
Chapter 1: Homecoming
(Six Months Later)
Lying a bouquet of roses against the headstone, Minako shakily exhaled as she wiped away the tears streaking her cheeks. Taking a step back, she glanced over toward Rei and Ami watching as they carefully set an identical bouquet of roses against Mamoru's headstone. "I miss them." She whimpered, fresh tears streaking her cheeks as her gaze took in the headstone, the physical proof of their failure.
"We all do." Makoto gently stated, pulling her distressed friend into a hug. "Usagi wouldn't want us to be like this." She sniffled, wiping away her own tears. "She would want us to be happy." She insisted looking down at the headstone marked with their dear friend's name.
"I know." Minako sniffled, shakily exhaling as she wiped the tears from her face. Looking down at the headstone, she felt her heart constrict at the overwhelming guilt of her failure. 'We were supposed to protect her, both of them.' She guiltily thought, knowing they had failed their Princess and best friend. 'This wasn't supposed to happen!'
"Minako…" Makoto gently soothed, seeing how much her friend was hurting as she silently fought against her inner demons, tears streaking her friend's cheeks as she gazed down at their friend's final resting place. "We should go, we're supposed to be meeting with Artemis and Luna." She gently urged, wrapping her arm around the blonde's shoulder and gently coaxing her away from the grave site. "You need to stop putting all the blame on-"
"I'm the leader of this gr-oup, I am the one who was su-supposed to keep her safe." Minako tearfully insisted, her voice cracking with emotion. "I failed-"
"We all did." Makoto firmly interjected, her eyes tightly shutting as she fought back her tears of frustration. "Those cowards haven't made any kind of move." She hissed out in her anger. "Why did they do this? What was their purpose in taking them from us?" She demanded, wishing they could have the answers.
"I don't know…" Minako sniffed, releasing a deep shaky exhale as she wiped her tears from her cheeks as they neared Ami and Rei. "I'm just ready to make them pay for what they did." She vowed her gaze hardening at the thought of the retribution they would bring upon their enemy. "We've lost everything, and those cowards are just hiding."
"We'll make them pay." Makoto promised, giving her friend a gentle squeeze before lowering her arm from around her shoulders. "Are we ready?" She asked as they reached Ami and Rei who had been patiently waiting for them.
"Yes." Rei gently responded, unshed tears shining in her violet eyes. "Michiru contacted us a few moments ago, they returned early this morning."
"Did they find anything?" Minako tearfully asked, her hope deflating as Rei sadly shook her head.
"No, nothing. She said they've searched all over our Solar System." Rei explained, her voice defeated as her head hung low. "There's no sign of the enemy, it's like they vanished."
"How can that be?!" Minako angrily demanded, fresh tears welling in her eyes. "They have to be out there somewhere, it's been six months! Why have they not attacked or shown themselves!?" She seethed as she shook her head with frustration. "Is there anything Setsuna could do to help us? What if she-"
"No." Ami gently interjected, turning her tear-filled gaze towards their leader. "Setsuna is still refusing to leave the Gates of Time, she's afraid the enemy may try to attack it next."
"What's the point of defending it? The enemy has taken everything from us. So why defend it?" Makoto demanded, a bitter scoff escaping her lips. "After everything we've been through, everything we did to try and-"
"We have to be strong, Makoto." Rei insisted, turning her tear-filled gaze towards the brunette as she sadly looked over at her seething friend. "We're going to find them, and we're going to make them pay for taking Usagi and Mamoru from us."
"When we do, we're not going to hold back." Minako swore, tightly clenching her fists in determination. "They will regret taking our Prince and Princess from us."
(Meanwhile In Another Dimension)
"Are you sure Serenity is ready for this?" Shi asked from where she stood in the shadows, her cold gaze holding skepticism as she looked over at the White Moon Prince who was seated on his throne. Watching him nod in response to her question, she turned her cold gaze towards the blonde-haired Princess who silently stood before them. 'This spoiled 'child' is not going to last long on the battlefield.' She smugly thought, knowing the Princess had tested the patience of every General she'd trained with. 'Serenity lacks the courage and confidence the Terran possessed.' She silently mused, her lips curving up with her amusement as she watched the younger royal silently walk forwards, the soft click of her heels echoing in the silent throne room before she stopped before the throne's dais and curtsied.
Looking into the royal's cold blue eyes, Shi confidently smiled knowing her control over the Princess was just as strong as the hold she held on the Prince. "Serenity, I have spoken with the Generals, and they feel you've reached what potential you're capable of reaching." She stated, watching in delight as the young royal glared at her for the jab. "Do you feel confident in your abilities as a Guardian to Prince Orion? Are you ready to face the Sailor Guardians of Earth, your treacherous Guardians?"
"Yes Shi, I will not fail you." Princess Serenity vowed as she turned her gaze towards her brother. "I will not fail my mission, I-"
"What is your mission, Serenity?" Shi interrupted, watching the Princess not refrain from her annoyance at the interruption before she coldly responded.
"I will assist the Generals in collecting the Soul Crystals of the Earth Guardians, my former Guardians. My order is to keep them distracted and from interfering with the General's orders." Princess Serenity responded, turning her attention back toward her brother. "Do I have to wear-"
"Yes." Prince Orion sternly insisted, a sigh of frustration escaping his lips. "You're my Guardian, Serenity. You must wear the uniform, it will not only protect you, but it will aid you-"
"Brother, I am a Princess." Serenity interjected, a blush staining her cheeks. "I cannot go galavanting in such a revealing skirt." She protested with a stomp of her foot. "I-"
"You are a Guardian first, Serenity!" Prince Orion shouted as he angrily stood from his throne. "You are not heir to the throne, I am! You will serve your place as Guardian to me, why else would you have been granted the ability to become a Guardian?!" He challenged back in his anger and frustration.
"I'm sorry, Prince Orion." Princess Serenity apologized, her gaze lowering with shame as she shied away from her brother's harsh words. "You're right brother. You're the future King, I will not step out of line again." She apologized, turning her gaze up towards him once more.
Watching her lift her gaze back towards him, Prince Orion felt his heart pang with guilt as he looked into her dark, emotionless gaze. 'This still isn't you, Serenity.' He regretfully thought, knowing he had lost his sister the moment he surrendered her soul crystal to Shi. "Tell me what you remember about your Guardians?"
"Before you woke me, I remember the attack on the Moon Kingdom. They conspired with the Earth Kingdom, fighting beside Prince Endymion's Shitennou to overthrow the Moon Kingdom. She said as tears filled her blue depths. "They killed mother, and they were plotting to assassinate you as well." She tearfully responded, her hands fisting the skirt of her gown as she tried to contain her angry tears. "Those traitors were going to surrender me to the Terran Prince as a token of their victory." She spat, her face twisting with disgust at the thought. "Where I would be forced into matrimony with Prince Endymion."
'She's ready.' Prince Orion happily thought, pleased that Shi had successfully altered her memories of Endymion turning the Terran Prince into the monster he truly was. "You will get your revenge, sister." He gently soothed as he took his seat on his throne once more. "In time, we will have our revenge for our parents' deaths and the fall of our Kingdom." He vowed, his eyes darkening with anticipation of becoming the planet's new ruler. "This planet will wish they never started the war against the Lunarians, the Terrans will kneel before us and we will rule over the people of this planet." He proudly boasted.
Smirking at the Prince's pompous boasts, Shi turned her attention towards the White Moon Princess noticing she was soaking in her brother's foolish promises of glory. "Princess Serenity, it is time for you and Mizu to begin the first phase. Go down and begin to collect soul crystals from this district." She instructed while summoning an image of the desired area of the city. "The Terrans soul crystals do not possess the same power as the Earth's Guardians, but the power can be utilized for your uprising." She explained, watching the Princess nod in acknowledgment as she took in the image displayed before her.
Studying and memorizing the image of the district presented before her, Princess Serenity glanced toward the General who was silently standing back awaiting their departure. "I won't fail you brother." She vowed, turning her gaze back towards Prince Orion. "I will keep the Guardians distracted to allow Mizu time to collect the necessary Soul Crystals needed."
"Do not fail me, Serenity." Prince Orion advised, as he sternly looked down on his sister. "Prove to me that you're worthy of being my personal Guardian."
"I will." Princess Serenity promised as she bowed to her brother. "I'll make you proud, brother." Watching him nod his head in dismissal, she turned her attention towards Mizu once more, the General's bored gaze directed towards her. "Let's get this done, Mizu." She commanded watching the silver-haired General nod as she swiftly teleported from the room.
Extending her hand out, she watched as a crystalline staff appeared in her outstretched hand. "I'll help bring us one step closer to victory." She swore, before teleporting from the throne room.
Watching his sister vanish from the throne room, Prince Orion deeply exhaled, still nervous at the thought of his sister returning to Earth and interacting with her Guardians. 'She's not going to betray you, she no longer possesses the memories of being a Terran or a Sailor Guardian.' His mind silently chastised as he worriedly thought of the Earth Guardians trying to take his sister from him. 'That Terran has been fully cleansed from her Soul Crystal, she will not be interfering with Serenity's memories. There is nothing to fear, with Serenity's help, I am one step closer to becoming King. With Shi's help, I will claim this planet, and soon rule over the entire Galaxy.' He thought as a wicked gleam shone in his dark blue eyes.
(Meanwhile in Tokyo)
Taking in the busy district they'd been assigned, Princess Serenity looked down with revulsion at the unsuspecting Terrans that bustled below in the shopping district. "Where do you want to start first, Mizu?" She inquired, her grip tightening on her staff as she tried to appear calm as she turned her gaze towards the silver-haired General.
"It doesn't matter, are you sure you're ready for this, Serenity?" Mizu asked, hiding her mirth as she could see the fear and nervousness in Serenity's gaze. 'She's going to get herself killed, she's a Princess, not a warrior.' She thought, knowing full well the White Moon Princess lacked the courage and confidence needed on the battlefield. 'The coward is going to flee, I just know it.' She thought with annoyance, cutting her irritated gaze in the direction of the timid blonde. 'I can't rely on her to keep the Guardians away, I should be doing this on my own, without any distractions.'
"Yes, I won't fail my brother." Serenity snapped, angered at the General's lack of confidence in her. "You trained me Mizu, if I fail, it will reflect on your training." She jeered, not noticing the anger flash in Mizu's blue eyes. "Let's get this over with." She commanded, tightening her hold on her staff as she focused on the energy within the crystalline staff.
Feeling her gown meld into the uniform of the Moon's Guardian, she felt her cheeks grow red, uncomfortably shifting as she felt the warm breeze brush against her bare legs that were exposed by the exceptionally short fuku skirt. "I don't know why this skirt must be so revealing." She grumbled, giving the short skirt a sharp tug in her frustration.
"Focus Sailor Moon, there is more to worry about than your modesty." Mizu snapped, glaring at the blonde Guardian with annoyance. "We'll start the attack there?" She instructed, watching the Moon Princess wickedly smile as she nodded in acknowledgment.
"We can get the Terrans in a panic, it will be easier for you to obtain the Soul Crystals." Serenity suggested, tightening her grip on her staff as she looked to the General for approval.
"Yes, with the Terrans in a panic, they will not see the attack." Mizu agreed, surprised the Princess had remembered her training. "Let's get started, shall we?" She asked, watching the blonde Guardian nod as she stepped to the edge of the rooftop and pointed the crystalline staff toward the crowd of people below.
'This is for you brother, we will claim back your title as King.' Sailor Moon thought as she closed her eyes, summoning the power of the ginzuishou before calling out her attack. "Silver Moon Crystal Power Strike!"
Watching dark energy crackle around the crystalline staff, Mizu watched in awe as a bright light expelled from the staff, the immense power hurtling towards the busy intersection below. 'This power, it's stronger when it's not held back!' She thought, smiling in excited anticipation as the attack struck below, sending the unsuspecting people below to scatter and scream out in terror at the sudden attack.
"Now!" Mizu ordered, teleporting from the rooftop.
Watching Mizu appear in the center of the panicked crowd below, Sailor Moon watched with nervous anticipation as Mizu raised her own staff and swiftly brought it down, a crackle of energy exploding from the staff as it struck the ground. Watching with a sense of deja vu as an immense bright power exploded the staff, she shielded her eyes from the bright blinding light, her heart dropping and stomach nervously twisting at the sound of the horrified, pain-filled screams that filled the air.
Lowering her arms as the bright light began to diminish, she felt her eyes widen in shock and disbelief at the large number of people standing frozen from where the power struck them. Noticing a brilliant shine gleamed above each victim, she took a fearful step back as the victims began to lifelessly drop to the ground, leaving their Soul Crystals to remain to hover above them. "She did it." She gasped, her shock and fear turning to excitement. "You did it!" She whooped, unable to contain her joy over their first successful mission. 'Orion is going to be pleased, I can't wait to show him our success.' She eagerly thought, unable to hide her overjoyed smile.
Remembering the Earth's Guardians, her smile quickly formed into a frown at the thought of their success being foiled by them. "Hurry, Mizu! We must collect them!" She urged, not wanting to risk their chances of losing any of the Soul Crystals collected so far.
"Keep watch! Worry about yourself!" Mizu snapped, turning her focus on their prize. "Don't embarrass me! Fight when the time is needed!" She scolded, not seeing the Moon Guardian glower in response.
"How dare she!" Sailor Moon seethed. "I'll prove to her I'm capable, I'll prove to them all." She grumbled, knowing the four Generals lacked faith in her fighting abilities. Forcing her focus onto the street below, she watched as Mizu opened a portal to collect the Soul Crystal, forcing her gaze away, she turned her focus back to the area watching and waiting for any sign of the Earth's Guardians. 'They'll be here shortly, I know it.' She thought, unable to shake the feeling that they were nearby.
Following the nagging feeling in the back of her mind, she turned her curious gaze towards a small shop, her gaze widening in surprise and unease as she watched one of her former Guardians emerge from a shop. 'Venus.' She thought, wickedly smiling as the leader of the Inner Guardians emerged, her focus on Mizu as she rushed down the sidewalk. "Looks like your my first fight." She smirked, before teleporting from the rooftop.
"Minna! The enemy just attacked, I'm in the Harajuku Shopping District. There's just one, I'm going to keep her distracted until you get here! Hurry!" Sailor Venus urged into the communicator as she directed her angry gaze toward the silver-haired woman. "What is it that she's after?" She wondered aloud, a startled gasp escaping her lips when she took notice of the small glittering objects. "No!" She cried out in alarm, watching as the objects were vanishing within an open portal. "I won't let them-"
"Silver Moon Crystal Power Strike!"
Screaming out in pain and shock as she was violently thrown into the side of a building from the unsuspected attack, Sailor Venus groaned out in pain, her back and shoulder throbbing with pain as her head spun dizzily. "What the hell…" She muttered, turning her focus towards the source of the attack. "...there's another one?"
"That's right, Venus." Sailor Moon smirked, her voice cold and full of malice as she appeared on the opposite sidewalk from her former Guardian, her grip firmly wrapped around her staff. "We're back from eternal sleep, and we're going to make all of you pay for your betrayal." She boasted, watching as the blonde-haired Senshi visibly tensed before slowly turning to look at her with tear-filled eyes.
'It can't be!' Sailor Venus thought, a chill running down her spine at the familiar voice, her words full of icy malice. Guarding her heart in fear of the enemy trying to deceive her, she cautiously turned with nervous anticipation, her tear-filled blue eyes widening with shock and disbelief as she took in the sight of Sailor Moon standing before her. "U-Usagi…" She choked as a soft sob escaped her lips. "Usagi, is that really you?" She tearfully asked, hoping and praying she was not imagining her dear friend standing before her.
"Are you truly all alone, Sailor Venus?" Sailor Moon taunted, amusement shining in her dark eyes as she pointed her staff at the lone Sailor Guardian.
"Usagi, how-how can this be?" Sailor Venus stammered in her disbelief and shock, her grief-filled mind not yet processing the dark aura radiating around their friend and Princess. "We...we thought you were dead, Usagi. Your plane,-" She said, pausing as her voice choked on a sob. "Your plane, it went down six months ago. There were no survivors." She explained, her eyes briefly shutting in an attempt to block out the thought of that painful day. "How are you here? How is this possible?" She asked, her heart constricting as her mind finally registered something was off when her friend did not make any attempt to respond to her questions. "No." She tearfully begged, shaking her head in despair when noticing how cold and dark her friend's eyes were. "What did they do to you, Usagi? Have they had you this entire time?" She gasped, her stomach dropping and her heart constricting at the thought of their further failure.
"You fool, you know my name is Serenity. Who is this, Usagi?" Princess Serenity demanded, watching Sailor Venus shakily stand and take a small step back from her. "Where are the others?" She impatiently commanded. "If you grovel now, I'll ensure your deaths are all swift."
"You don't want to hurt me, I'm your friend." Sailor Venus insisted as she took a nervous step forward. "Please, Usagi. I know you're still in there, you have to remember us. It's me, Minako. Do you really not remember me? We-"
"Silver Moon Crystal Power Strike!"
Screaming out in shock as she narrowly dodged the attack, Sailor Venus watched as Sailor Moon directed the crystalline staff towards her once more. "Please don't do this, Sailor Moon! Do you really not remember who I am? Usagi, please, you have to remember! I'm your friend, I'm-"
"Stop calling me by that name! I don't know who that is!" Princess Serenity shouted in frustration, her cold gaze narrowing as she took a bold step forward from the small boost of confidence in having the upper hand. "You and the others are nothing but traitors, we were never friends. You four were only my Guardians, nothing more!" She angrily shouted, lunging forward and bringing her staff down in one swift strike. Feeling her boost of confidence deflate as Sailor Venus dodged her attack, she angered more as the Guardian was able to leap back a safe distance from her.
"Please, I don't want to fight you, Sailor Moon!" Sailor Venus pleaded. "Don't make me do this, please don't make me hurt you!"
"Your betrayal has brought me more than enough pain, I won't allow any of you to ever hurt us again!" Princess Serenity swore, the hate and contempt shining brightly in her dark blue depths as she glared at Sailor Venus. "Stop wasting your time with your false tears, I know you-"
"Space Sword Blaster!"
Narrowly raising her staff in time, Princess Serenity released a breath of relief as a barrier of dark energy formed around her, shielding her from the unsuspecting attack. "Just as I thought, you two traitors would have no hesitation attacking." She jeered from the safety of the barrier, watching as Sailor Uranus stepped from the shadows of an alley. "Where's Neptune, she's never too far from you, Uranus." She taunted, scanning the area before turning her cold gaze back towards the Outer Guardian. "You're never far apart from one another." She drawled out in a mocking tone.
Tightening her grip on her Space Sword, Sailor Uranus nervously exhaled trying to focus on the task at hand. 'That isn't Neko-chan, she isn't our Princess anymore. Something or someone is controlling her, this entity is not our friend.' She sternly thought, trying to keep her mind sharp and focused on what needed to be done. "Why are you hiding behind that shield, Sailor Moon? You've faced me once, are you too much of a coward to face me again?" She jeered back, watching as anger flashed in Sailor Moon's dark gaze.
"I am no coward!" Sailor Moon shrieked in response, her body shaking with anger as the staff dangerously radiated energy in response to her temperament. "I'll show you! I'll show you all!" She screamed, breaking through the surrounding barrier as she rushed forward, swinging her staff in the direction of the Outer Guardian. "Silver Moon Crystal Power Strike!"
"Deep Submerge!"
Teleporting out of the way of the surprise attack, Sailor Moon appeared behind Sailor Uranus laughing as the Outer Guardian narrowly avoided the swing of her staff. "I will not hesitate in fighting you traitors!" She shouted as she evaded the onslaught of attacks from both Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune.
Holding her staff up in time to deflect the oncoming attacks, she swung her staff around, smirking as her staff collided with Sailor Uranus' sword. "When he gets done with you, you're going to be begging for mercy." She taunted.
"Who?" Sailor Uranus demanded, wondering if the blonde realized how much valuable information she was giving away through her taunts and boasts. 'Is she trying to tell us something?' She mused, a part of her hoping it was all a ruse, that Sailor Moon was pretending in order to give them clues of her whereabouts. 'No, that's not her, that isn't Neko-chan.' Her mind strongly insisted, her heavy heart not yet wanting to accept that this imposter wasn't their fallen friend and Princess. Not noticing the attack as she grew lost in her conflicted thoughts, she gasped as she felt someone slam into her side, knocking her roughly to the ground as Sailor Moon shouted her attack.
"Silver Moon Crystal Power Strike!"
Landing on the ground with a slight grunt, she met Sailor Neptune's amused gaze. "Don't say it." She snapped, watching Sailor Neptune smirk in response as she silently raised off her and extended her hand out to her.
"Say what, that you're not focused?" Sailor Neptune quipped, gently laughing at the scowl Sailor Uranus gave her in response. "It's not her, not anymore." She gently reminded the Wind Senshi, watching as old wounds were reopened as pain flashed in her lover's blue eyes. "Come on, we need to stop the other one, I have a feeling Sailor Moon is here as a diversion." She insisted, watching Sailor Uranus nod in silent agreement, as they summoned their attacks in hopes of disarming the Moon Senshi of her staff.
"Submarine Reflection!"
"World Shaking!"
Giving out a cry of shock as she narrowly jumped out of the way of the two attacks, Sailor Moon steadied her stance, as she turned her anger towards the two Outer Guardians. Glancing towards Mizu, she watched with a deep sense of relief as the last of the Soul Crystals vanished within the open portal. Feeling her stomach drop as Mizu promptly vanished, she hid her hurt as she turned her focus back toward the two Outer Guardians. "This isn't over!" She vowed, raising her staff into the air as her lips curved into a wicked smile. "Until next time, Guardians!" She taunted as she teleported from where she stood.
Watching Sailor Moon vanish before they could make their next move, Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune exchanged worried looks as they turned their focus to where Sailor Venus was still knelt on the sidewalk, her tear-stained face ashen from shock as her body shook with uncontrollable sobs as she struggled with the startling news of their friend's return.
"This isn't going to be easy on them." Sailor Neptune worriedly stated as they walked in the direction of the grieving blonde. "Seeing Sailor Moon like this, it's going to hurt them more."
"They're going to have to fight her." Sailor Uranus insisted, her fists clenching at her sides at the thought. "We have no other choice."
"I know." Sailor Neptune murmured sadly as she silently knelt before the distraught blonde. "Sailor Venus, you have to pull yourself together." She scolded, resting her hands against the blonde's shoulders. "Minako, listen to me, I need you to look at me." She instructed, watching Sailor Venus tearfully raise her gaze up at her. "I know you want to believe that was her, but that person wasn't Usagi. You're going to have to accept this, you cannot show any hesitation in the next fight. She's not going to hesitate to attack us."
"I can't." Sailor Venus whimpered, dropping her head once more in defeat as her hot tears continued to streak her cheeks. "That's still Usagi, I'm not going to hurt her. I can't-"
"Get up! We have to warn the others." Sailor Uranus angrily ordered, watching Sailor Venus abruptly look at her, fresh tears welling in her eyes. "You're stronger than this, Sailor Venus! That wasn't our Princess, that wasn't Neko-chan!"
"She's right, now come on." Sailor Neptune urged, offering the blonde her hand as she helped Sailor Venus stand. "We have to check on these people and help them. We'll tell the others when they arrived, they shouldn't be too far from here." She stated, grateful they had been nearby when Sailor Venus had made the distress call on the communicator. "We can't let our guard down, we don't want to be caught by surprise the next time she reveals herself." She cautioned the blonde, watching Sailor Venus reluctantly nod her head in agreement. 'Are they going to be reliable in the battles to come?' She worriedly thought as she looked at the distraught blonde with concern.
(Meanwhile in Another Dimension)
Watching with silent relief as his sister appeared in the throne room moments after Mizu, Prince Orion silently stood watching his sister's uniform meld back to her white gown as she curtsied and Mizu bowed. "Show me how many you were able to capture, Mizu." He commanded, watching with anticipation as Mizu raised her staff, a portal opening to reveal a large number of shimmering soul crystals. "I commend you both for a successful first mission." He stated with an eager smile. "Shi will be pleased with the number of soul crystals you've successfully collected for her."
"Thank you, Prince Orion." Bowing as he motioned her away with a wave of his hand, she turned her serious gaze towards the Moon Princess, a pleased smile tugging at the corner of her lips as she spoke. "I commend your success in distracting the enemy, Serenity. I look forward to your assistance in the next mission." She sincerely stated, bowing her head in respect to the blonde before vanishing from the throne room.
Smiling at the General's unexpected compliment, Princess Serenity turned her gaze forward when hearing her brother's footsteps against the throne's dais as he made his descent. "Brother, have I met your expectations?" She nervously asked, watching him smile and chuckle as he nodded his head with approval.
"Yes, Small Lady." Prince Orion chuckled, smiling at her need for approval. "You've proven yourself today, I'm proud of you." He commended, his smile turning to a frown when noticing her look of disapproval. "What is it, Serenity? Have I offended you in any way?"
"I'm no longer a child, Orion. There is no need to address me with such a juvenile name." Princess Serenity lightly scolded, turning her irritated gaze up at her brother.
"You're right, you're a lady now." Prince Orion agreed, a chuckle escaping his lips. "One day you will be married, and have a Small Lady of your own." He teased, watching her scoff at the comment.
"I am not the one who should be concerned at the notion of providing an heir." Princess Serenity teased, watching her brother blush. "It's a shame my Guardians are traitors. I remember the way you used to sneak glances with Sailor Saturn when you two thought no one was watching." She said, raising her brow with mirth. Raising the crystalline staff she was still holding, she focused on its power watching in a flash of light as it returned to its natural form, the ginzuishou.
Holding her hand out, she smiled as the ginzuishou lowered into her open palm. Lifting the precious gem by the chain it hung from, she placed the necklace around her neck, its dull surface, lacking its once vibrant luster and shine. "I request to return to my chambers until your next command, brother." She requested curtsying to her Prince.
"Mother and Father would have been proud of your victory today, Small Lady." Prince Orion commended, watching with amusement as her nose scrunched at the use of the nickname once more. "Get some rest, Serenity. I'll notify Shi of the Soul Crystal you and Mizu successfully retrieved." He instructed, watching his sister bow before vanishing from the throne room.
(Hikawa Shrine)
"Is everyone here?" Luna quietly asked, her voice sounding tired and defeated as she turned her tearful gaze towards Artemis as he silently sat next to her. Feeling him gently nuzzle his head against hers in an attempt to offer her comfort, she softly exhaled, leaning against him as she welcomed his comforting touch.
"Yes, they're all gathered in the fire room, with the exception of Setsuna." Artemis responded, a gentle sigh escaping his lips. "Do you think they will be able to do this?" He worriedly asked, glancing towards Minako and the other Inner Senshi who were seated around the blonde offering their leader comfort. 'She hasn't spoken much since she came back with Haruka and Michiru.' He sadly thought, snapping from his worried thoughts as Luna spoke.
"I don't know, this is going to be one of their toughest challenges." Luna murmured her heart heavy with the news of Sailor Moon's return and aid with the enemy's attack. "Usa-Sailor Moon never would have hurt all those people." She insisted, her voice thick with emotion. "There were so many innocent lives lost today." Tightly closing her eyes to block back her tears, she drew in a wavering breath before she heartbrokenly spoke, the guilt shining brightly in her eyes as she met Artemis' gaze. "She's been alive this entire time. We could have helped her, spared her from whatever it is they've done to her." She guiltily insisted. "She's lost to us because we-"
"We didn't know." Artemis interjected as he gently nuzzled her face. "We need to focus on finding Sailor Moon and helping her find her way home." He urged, watching Luna tearfully nod in agreement. Walking beside her as they walked to where the group was awaiting them, he gently cleared his throat as they entered the fire room, gaining the attention of the seven Senshi.
"We should begin." Luna stated, looking at the Inner Guardians, then towards the three Outer Guardians who stood a distance away from the others. 'They've been divided since we lost Usagi.' She sadly thought, hoping the return of their Princess would rally the seven to work together once more.
"Our enemy has decided to reveal themselves." Artemis began as he looked across the room, his mood somber and serious as he addressed the group. "We faced a great loss today. Thirty-five people were hospitalized today, all in an unresponsive, comatose-like state. At this time we don't know what the enemy has stolen, but what we do know is it has left the victims in a severely weakened state." He grimly explained a sad exhale escaping his lips. "With this new enemy we're going to have to fight harder, we cannot allow this new enemy to-"
"What are we going to do to help Usagi?" Minako tearfully interrupted, turning her desperate gaze towards the two feline advisors. "That wasn't her, she-"
"There's nothing we can do." Haruka snapped, glaring over at the blonde in frustration. "Without the healing powers of the ginzuishou, we can't help her."
"What we need to discuss, is if you four are willing to do what it takes to stop her." Michiru demanded, her arms crossing against her chest, giving the group a stern reproachful look.
"Minako proved to us, that she isn't capable." Haruka jeered, turning her disappointed gaze towards the leader of the Inner Senshi. "Now isn't the time to let your emotions control your actions, not when innocent people are at risk of dying."
"I'm not hurting her!" Minako shouted, anger burning brightly in her tear-filled eyes. "Have you two forgotten that she's our friend? Neither of you hesitated to-"
"Hesitating will get you injured, or worse killed." Michiru insisted, a sigh of frustration escaping her lips at the blonde's persistent stubbornness. "Usagi is gone, Minako. We lost her and Mamoru six months ago, who we saw today, that wasn't her. The sooner you accept she's not coming back to us, the sooner you will accept what needs to be done."
"Enough!" Rei angrily demanded, standing and looking at her three friends. "We can't keep arguing amongst ourselves like this, Usagi wouldn't want to see us like this."
"Rei's right, we need to focus on who the enemy is, and why they have Usagi." Ami insisted, turning her tear-filled eyes towards the two Outer Senshi. "We need to figure out how to get our friend and leader back."
"That's right!" Makoto agreed, determination shining brightly in her gaze. "The next time the enemy shows up, we need to be ready. We'll get to the bottom of this and figure out a way to help Usagi and keep the enemy from hurting anyone else." She vowed, looking at her three friends to see them smile and nod with the same fierce determination. "You two may have already given up on Usagi, but we won't. We're getting our friend back."
(Two Days Later)
"Moyasu! We need to retreat!" Mizu nervously urged the second General, her nervous gaze glancing in the direction of the four Sailor Guardians.
"We're not leaving, not until we have collected all the soul crystals!" Moyasu angrily sneered. "Where is the Princess?" He angrily demanded.
"I don't know where the coward has gone?" Mizu spat, irritated with the blonde's sudden disappearance. "She was supposed to scout ahead and make sure-"
"Silver Moon Crystal Power Strike!"
Smirking as the Sailor Guardians were forced back by Sailor Moon's attack, Moyasu turned his gaze towards the silver-haired General, motioning her to follow. "Let's go Mizu, we don't have much time." He urged before teleporting away from the upcoming battle.
Turning her focus onto the four Guardians as soon as Mizu and Moyasu vanished, Sailor Moon hardened her gaze hoping the four Inner Guardians could not see the fear and uncertainty in her gaze as she glared at them. "You four don't look too happy to see me." She taunted, taking notice of the group's own uneasiness and hesitation. "I have a proposition Sailor Venus." She chuckled, cutting her gaze toward the blonde-haired leader. "Surrender now and I'll-"
"Usagi, please listen to me!" Sailor Venus pleaded while taking a step forward, tears stinging her eyes as she met her friend's cold, emotionless gaze. "You're being controlled, we're not your enemy! We're your friends, we've known each other since we were fourteen-"
"Lies!" Sailor Moon shouted, pointing her crystalline staff at the blonde. "I will not fall victim to your false claims again!"
"Again?" Sailor Mars asked, looking at their friend in confusion before she took a step forward and tried to get more answers from their friend. "What do you mean by again, Usagi? What lies have they told you? We are not-"
"Stop calling me by that name!" Sailor Moon shrieked, startling the group. "My name is Serenity, I am not this- this Usa-"
"Yes, you are!" Sailor Venus shouted back, her voice thick with emotion as she choked back a sob. "Your name is Tsukino Usagi, you live in Juban with your parents Ikuko and Kenji, and your little brother Shingo. You like-"
"Both of my parents were slain by those barbaric Terrans!" Princess Serenity interjected, tears shining in her own eyes as she felt her anger flare. "My father, King Orionius was slain when I was five. My mother was killed when our Kingdom was attacked by your lovers, the Shitennou! You four are responsible for the demise of-"
"You're wrong!" Sailor Mars interjected, tears shining in her eyes. "We fought and died on the Moon Kingdom trying to protect you and your mother. The Shitennou did attack, but they were brainwashed by Metalia who was awakened by a scornful woman named Beryl, she was jealous of yours and Endymion's engagement!"
"I would never marry a Terran, let alone that brute Endymion!" Sailor Moon scoffed, her anger only increasing by their false claims. "You four allowed yourselves to get corrupted by his men, believing their lies and-"
"Who has told you this?!" Sailor Jupiter demanded, shocked at how much the enemy had twisted and corrupted their friend's memories of the past. "Sailor Moon, you have to listen to us, everything you believe is a lie. We were all killed during that attack on the Moon Kingdom, your mother, Queen Serenity sacrificed her life for us all so you and Endymion could have a second chance. You were reborn on Earth as Tsukino Usagi, Endymion as Chiba Mamoru. You two fell in love and-"
"ENOUGH!" Sailor Moon screamed, her staff expelling a large amount of energy at the group and forcing the four to separate in different directions. Using her opportunity while they were scattered, she pointed the staff at Sailor Venus, her blue gaze burning with hate as she glared at the most persistent of the group. 'I'm tired of your lies, I don't care about the plan. I'm taking her out now.' She silently seethed, her grip tightening around the staff. "It's obvious you four traitors forgot who you serve!" She angrily accused. "No matter, you won't live long enough to see him crowned King!" She sneered, pointing her staff at Sailor Venus as she wickedly smiled before calling out her attack once more. "Silver Moon Crystal Power Strike!"
Narrowly avoiding the attack, Sailor Venus looked to the rest of the Inner Senshi knowing what they had to do. 'I'm sorry, Usagi. You're not leaving us any other choice.' She sadly thought, raising her hand as she called out her attack, followed by the others calling out their own attacks.
"Venus Love and Beauty Shock!"
"Jupiter Oak Evolution!
"Mars Flame Sniper!"
"Mercury Aqua Rhapsody!"
Raising a shield of protective energy with the staff, Sailor Moon smirked as the four attacks slammed into the barrier. Turning her focus onto Sailor Venus, she wickedly smiled as she tightened her grip on her staff. 'I'm going to silence that bothersome wretch once and for all.' She silently swore as she lowered the shield and sprinted toward the blonde. Pointing the staff in the direction of the Guardian, she hardened her gaze as she pushed down her fears and doubts, shouting her attack once more. "Silver Moon Crystal Power Strike!"
Releasing a delighted laugh as she successfully struck her target, she watched as Sailor Venus was roughly knocked back from the attack. 'Don't mess this up, you only have one chance at this.' She thought, focusing her mind on her mission as she focused on the energy within her and teleported atop of a street light.
Raising her staff up into the air, she closed her eyes focusing on the power coursing through her, as she called out to Shi through the mental link she shared with their brother. 'Brother, please if you can hear me, I need more power from Shi. Please, grant me this request so I can bring her one of the Guardian's soul crystals.' She pleaded through their link, smiling as she felt her staff growing warmer to the touch as Shi granted her request and channeled more power into the staff. 'Thank you, I won't fail you.'
Opening her eyes, Sailor Moon was unaware her eyes flashing a deep crimson red before turning back to the dark, ominous blue, a wicked smile tugging at her lips watching in delight as the crystalline staff radiated with powerful dark energy.
Directing the staff towards Sailor Venus who was shakily getting off the ground, she watched the Guardian look up, fear flashing in her blue eyes as their gazes met. "Goodbye, Venus." She stated, wickedly laughing before she unleashed the dark energy onto her former Guardian. "Your soul crystal will be mine!"
"Sailor Venus!" Sailor Mars cried out, watching in horror as the attack hurtled toward their friend.
"Look out!" Sailor Mercury warned, watching in disbelief and fear as Sailor Venus weakly dropped to her knees, still struggling with the side effects of the multiple hits she'd taken from Sailor Moon's staff.
"No!" Sailor Jupiter shouted in shock, tightly closing her eyes and turning her head at the sound of their friend's pained screams as the attack slammed into her.
"No! Please don't!" Sailor Mars begged, crying out at the intensity of the light as she raised her arms to shield her eyes from the intensely bright light. "Venus!" She desperately cried out, tears streaking her cheeks at the sound of their leader's pain-filled screams. 'I can't see past this blinding light, but I have to help her!' She desperately thought, forcing her eyes open as soon as the bright light began to dim.
Unshielding their eyes as the intense light faded, the three Inner Guardians watched in horror as Sailor Venus collapsed lifelessly to the ground as the bright intense light faded. Seeing a small orange crystal hovering above their lifeless friend, they watched their Princess teleport near Sailor Venus a smirk gracing her lips as she kneeled and guided the small orange crystal to her open palm.
"NO!" Sailor Mars desperately cried out, watching with despair as Sailor Moon appeared beside Sailor Venus' lifeless body, her hand reaching out to claim the shimmering orange crystal hovering above Venus' lifeless form. "No! You can't have it! Get away from her!" She angrily shouted, rushing forward and calling out her attack in her distress. "Mars Flame Sniper!"
"Silver Moon Crystal Power Strike!" Sailor Moon cried out, giggling with amusement as Sailor Mars was violently thrown back from the attack. "Patience Sailor Mars, it's not your turn yet." She taunted, as she reached out and gently cradled the small orange crystal in the palm of her hand.
"Such power this soul crystal possesses." She murmured in awe before her cold gaze took in the lifeless Sailor Guardian once more. "Now I won't have to listen to her insistent lies." She spat, turning and walking away.
"STOP!" Sailor Jupiter shouted, tears streaking her cheeks as she and Sailor Mercury ran forward.
"Sailor Moon, please don't do this!" Sailor Mercury pleaded, watching their friend and Princess smirk as she slowed her steps, stopping and turning to glare at them. "Why did you do this? What did you take from her?" She demanded.
"Is this what you took from the others?" Sailor Jupiter demanded, her fists clenching in her anger. "Is this how you killed them?"
"Kill?" Sailor Moon asked as she balked out her laughter. "I have not killed anyone, Sailor Jupiter. Sailor Venus is still very much alive, she only lacks her, shall we say, spark." She smirked pausing as she lifted her hand in reference to the soul crystal safely nestled in the palm of her hand. "Don't worry, I'll be returning for your soul crystal soon, none of you are truly safe." She taunted, her wicked laugh fading as she teleported from where she stood.
"YOU COWARD! COME BACK!" Sailor Mars angrily shouted, holding her throbbing shoulder as she shakily stood from the ground, tears shining brightly in her violet eyes as she watched Sailor Mercury and Sailor Jupiter rush to where Sailor Venus still lay on the sidewalk. "They were right." She bitterly stated, lowering her head in shame as she allowed her tears to freely fall over their second loss to the group. "We should have listened to Neptune and Uranus' warnings, now we've lost Venus too?"She heartbrokenly stated, her angry gaze cutting in the direction Sailor Moon had vanished. "Were they right? Is it really too late to help Usagi?"
"Sailor Mercury, is there anything we can do?" Sailor Jupiter desperately asked watching Sailor Mercury run her scans then sadly shake her head.
"No, she's like the victims of the first attack." Sailor Mercury grimly stated, tears streaking her cheeks as she looked over at the brunette. "Whatever Usagi took from Sailor Venus, it's left her lifeless and-"
"She's had her soul crystal taken." Sailor Mars interjected her serious gaze meeting Sailor Jupiter's distressed gaze.
"Soul crystal?" Sailor Jupiter asked, turning her questioning gaze toward the raven-haired Senshi. "What's a soul crystal?"
"I don't know, that's what Sailor Moon called it." Sailor Mars tiredly stated, a defeated sigh escaping her lips as she tearfully looked down at Venus. "I'm sure that's what happened to Mamoru and Usagi, they-"
"The Prince." Sailor Mercury interjected, not understanding the reason for Sailor Venus's highly weakened state. "Why did his result in death? Why was he not in the same state as the victims, as Venus?"
"She's right-" Sailor Jupiter stated, lifting her tearful gaze to look at her two friends. "Mamoru wasn't like the first victims or Sailor Venus. If the same thing happened to him, his resulted in death." She softly stated, her heart aching at the thought of their lost Prince. "When we bring Usagi back to us, this is going to break her heart. She-"
"They were right." Sailor Mars spat, her words full of venom as she turned her angry gaze toward the brunette. "There's nothing we can do to help Usagi, she's gone, just like Mamoru is gone!" She shouted, fresh tears streaking her cheeks as she motioned toward Sailor Venus. "Usagi never would have done this! She-"
"She's being controlled, it's the only explanation!" Sailor Jupiter shouted back, glaring at the raven-haired Senshi. "Or have you forgotten, Tuxedo Kamen went through the same thing with Beryl?!"
"Chibiusa and Hotaru went through similar ordeals as well." Sailor Mercury sadly added, not seeing the glare Sailor Mars gave her in return for the response. 'The enemy must have wanted Mamoru out of the way, that's why he didn't survive whatever ordeal he and Usagi went through.' She mused, knowing it was the only logical reason why Mamoru had not been in the same weakened state as Sailor Venus or the other victims.
"It seems as long as the enemy has these soul crystals in their possession, the host's bodies will remain in a severely weakened state, a comatose state." She deduced, looking up at her friends. "Sailor Venus is still alive, her energy levels are dangerously low though at the moment." She explained, silently standing as she looked down at their leader. "As for Usagi, I can only conclude that she is being controlled, just like Dark Endymion was controlled by Beryl."
"We have to get both of their soul crystals back!" Sailor Jupiter snapped, her fists clenching as determination shone brightly in her green eyes. "We have to figure out how to bring Sailor Moon back to our side, she's the only one who can stop this new enemy. We need the Ginzuishou."
"We will." Sailor Mercury vowed, wiping a few stray tears from her cheeks as she turned her determined gaze towards Sailor Mars. "We're not giving up on Usagi, Sailor Venus wouldn't want us to." She stubbornly insisted, watching Sailor Mars hesitate a moment before tearfully nodding in silent agreement.
"We need to contact the others first." Sailor Mars nervously stated, knowing Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune were going to be furious with them. "This is only going to push them to want to hurt Usagi more, I don't know if we will be able to protect her from them." She nervously stated, watching the two remaining Senshi nod in somber agreement.
(Meanwhile in Another Dimension)
Standing from his throne as Mizu and Moyasu appeared in the throne room, Prince Orion frowned with worry when his sister did not appear with his two Generals. "Where is Serenity?" He demanded, his stomach painfully twisting at the thought of the Sailor Guardians taking her from him.
"I'm here, brother." Sailor Moon announced appearing in the throne room. "Pardon my tardiness brother, I brought you a gift." She apologized as she opened her palm, revealing a small orange crystal. "This soul crystal belonged to one of the Inner Guardians." She proudly boasted, watching her brother smile proudly at her as he silently walked forwards.
"Job well done, Serenity." Prince Orion commended, gently lifting the small orange crystal from his sister's outstretched palm. "This soul crystal is powerful, who did this one belong to?"
"Sailor Venus." Sailor Moon responded with a proud smile. "I grew bored with her insistent lies, so I silenced her."
"What lies?" Prince Orion prompted, fearing his sister may be persuaded to listen to her former Guardians. "What have they been saying to you?"
"Nothing of importance." Sailor Moon insisted, giving her brother a reassuring look. "Do not let them ruin this victory, we have gained a powerful crystal."
"Yes, this is cause for celebration." Prince Orion agreed with a happy chuckle. "I'm proud of you Small Lady, you are proving yourself a capable Guardian." He stated, resting his hand against her shoulder as he watched her blush as she shied away from the compliment.
"Thank you, brother." Sailor Moon stated, lifting her gaze up to meet her brother's proud gaze. "I vow here and now, I will bring you more of the Sailor Guardian's soul crystals, the Inner Guardians are still hesitant to attack me. I will use this to my advantage for as long as they give me this reprieve."
"Take advantage of their weakness, Serenity." Prince Orion commanded, taking her by the chin and forcing her gaze to meet his. Seeing the hesitation briefly flash in her gaze, he frowned wondering if the Sailor Guardians were dissuading her from helping him. "Small Lady." He snapped, watching her nervously meet his gaze. "You said they were filling your mind with lies, what were they?" He demanded, unaware of his grip on her chin tightening until she gave off a slight whimper of pain. Releasing his hold on her at the sound of the pain he'd inflicted on her, he lowered his arm taking a small step back from her before he turned his focus onto his two Generals.
"Show me what you two have brought." He commanded, watching with anticipation as Mizu opened a portal revealing another substantial amount of soul crystals. "Excellent, I commend you both Moyasu and Mizu." He stated, watching the two bow in response. "Mizu, take the soul crystals to Shi at once." He commanded, watching his General bow before she teleported from the throne room. "Moyasu, your dismissed." He commanded, watching the red-haired General vanish moments later from the throne room.
Turning his impatient gaze towards his sister, he watched as her uniform vanished, melding back into the long white gown she wore. "Small Lady, we will discuss this." He commanded, watching her nervously meet his gaze. "Speak freely sister, what is troubling you?"
"They're different, Orion." Serenity nervously stated, wondering if the doubts and questions that had been filling her mind held any truth. "They look the same as they did before we were woken from our eternal sleep, but their personalities are not the same. I-"
"Of course, they're not the same, Small Lady." Prince Orion snapped, watching his sister lower her gaze at the light scolding. "I've told you, they have been brainwashed by Endymion's own Generals, they-"
"Brother, things are not the same as they were when we fell into our deep sleep. The cities have grown, and the technology surpasses that of the Moon Kingdom and its neighboring allies." Serenity insisted, unable to ignore the nagging feeling that something wasn't right. "They said, that I had been reborn on this planet, that Endymion was reborn on this planet along with them." She explained, leaving out the romantic details knowing how much her brother despised the Earth Prince. "They said my name was Tsukino Usa-"
"Lies!" Prince Orion angrily shouted, watching his sister flinch under his brash reaction. "This is why I cautioned you, Small Lady. Do not believe their deceitful lies, they will say anything, do anything to persuade you to-"
"My loyalty will not waiver." Serenity interjected as she could see the fear in her brother's hard gaze as he scolded her. "I am only loyal to you, and you alone." She vowed, watching him smile as he stepped forwards closing the distance between them. "You're the only family that I have left, I won't desert you." She promised, tears shining in her eyes.
"I know you won't, Small Lady." Prince Orion murmured, cupping her chin and tilting her chin up to meet her hesitant gaze. "I will protect you, I won't let them take you from me." He swore, watching her tearfully nod. "Go and rest, you must be tired." He commanded, trying to hide his doubts and suspicions as she teleported moments after the command. 'I'll need to keep a closer eye on her, I can't let her be persuaded by them.' He angrily thought, considering if he should involve Shi with his concerns. 'No, I will deal with this alone. I will only involve Shi if I have no other choice.' He decided, fearing he would lose his sister completely if Shi were involved with the manipulation of his sister's mind once more.
(Meanwhile in Tokyo)
"What happened?" Haruka angrily demanded as she entered the den where the three remaining Iner Senshi sat in somber silence. "How did this happen to Minako?"
"It happened so fast." Rei softly stated, the guilt thick in her voice as tears streaked her cheeks. "There was nothing we could do to stop Sailor Moon in time."
"Did Sailor Venus say something or do something to provoke the Princess into taking the soul crystal?" Luna asked, trying to understand what had occurred during the battle.
"I don't think so." Makoto murmured, her brows furrowing slightly as she tried to think back to the fight.
"She was trying to reason with Usagi." Ami murmured as she lowered her gaze at the sound of Haruka's harsh scoff.
"How many times did I warn her?" Haruka angrily snapped, before pounding her clenched fist against the wall she was leaning against in her anger and frustration. "There is no reasoning with her right now! When will you three understand this?!"
"Haruka please!" Luna pleaded, turning her tear-filled gaze towards the Wind Senshi. "They've been through enough today, let them be!"
"It's their fault this happened!" Haruka sneered. "Sailor Venus is lying in there because she wouldn't listen to our warnings. The Princess is our enemy now, not our friend! She's not the same person anymore, she's gone!"
"Haruka is right." Michiru calmly stated as she walked into the room. Sitting on the love seat adjacent to the three remaining Inner Guardians, she turned her gaze towards Haruka, giving the cushion next to her a gentle pat. Smiling as he lover reluctantly walked forwards, she could feel the tension rise in the room as Haruka sat next to her. Placing her hand atop Haruka's, she gave her hand a gentle squeeze hoping to calm her.
"I need you three to listen to me, and listen well." Haruka ordered, watching the three look at her with guilt and remorse. Drawing in a deep breath through her nose, she slowly exhaled trying to choose her next words carefully before she addressed the three emotional teens. "This is going to be our biggest challenge yet, if not our toughest enemy. Sailor Moon knows everything about us, everything." She stressed, looking at the three with a serious gaze. "She knows our attacks, how we fight as a group. We will not have any kind of tactical advantage against her."
"What happened to Minako only proves she's going to take advantage of your emotions and try to use them to her advantage. We cannot hesitate when we fight her, she is not the same person we remember." Michiru urged, pausing for a moment as tears shone in her eyes.
"I don't even know if Neko-chan is in there anymore." Haruka bitterly stated, her heart breaking at the thought of the sweet blonde they'd lost. "It's like we're facing an entirely different person." She murmured.
"Perhaps she is." Ami murmured, abruptly looking over at Makoto and Rei as a sudden thought occurred to her. "This is just a theory, but what if Usagi is experiencing the same memory loss as Mamoru had when he was controlled by Beryl? He didn't have any memories as Mamoru, he only had Endymion's memories." She reminded the group.
"It took the power of the Ginzuishou to awaken Mamoru though?" Rei stated, a defeated sigh escaping her lips as she rubbed her temples in an attempt to ease the headache that was quickly forming. "Without the Ginzuishou, how are we supposed to help her remember?"
"If Ami is right, then it only confirms Neko-chan is truly gone." Haruka sighed, shaking her head with frustration at the predicament they found themselves in.
"It makes sense now why Sailor Moon has not been responding to anything Minako was telling her." Makoto stated as she looked at her two friends. "The Princess believes we're responsible for the fall of the Moon Kingdom."
"How do we get her to remember the truth though?" Rei quietly asked, a fragment of hope shining in her eyes as she and the others looked to Haruka for answers.
"She's not going to listen to reason, she believes she is Princess Serenity." Makoto grumbled, as she tiredly exhaled. "There has to be a way to get her to listen to us."
"What if we had someone else try to convince her? Find someone the Princess isn't familiar with, someone who could try to reason with her and convince her that we're trying to help her." Ami suggested, tearfully looking at Makoto and Rei before turning her attention towards Haruka.
"Who do you suggest, Ami?" Michiru curiously asked, watching the bluenette hesitate a moment before she spoke. "We cannot involve her family, it would be too dangerous."
"No, we couldn't involve them." Ami agreed as she silently contemplated the idea a moment longer before looking over at the two Outer Senshi, already knowing what their reaction would be to her proposition.
"What is it, Ami?" Luna urged, recognizing the look on the bluenette's face. "If you have any suggestions or plans, please don't hold them back."
"This is just a thought." Ami stated, giving the couple a pleading look to consider her words before they reacted. "What if we requested help from Kinmoku? Serenity has no memory of the Sailor Starlights. Perhaps this will give the strategic and tactical advantage we need to stop her."
"Rei and I can go to-" Makoto volunteered before Haruka angrily interjected.
"No." Haruka angrily stated, her jaw clenching as she tried to contain her anger at the thought of the three returning to their planet. "There is no damn way we are asking them for our help!" She sneered.
"Haruka please, just consider this for a moment!" Rei pleaded, looking at the prideful woman with frustration.
"Will you just swallow your pride and consider it for a moment!" Makoto begged, tears shining in her eyes.
"Haruka, please consider this an option. If they agree to help, this will give us the advantage we need against Serenity." Ami stated, hoping to reason with the blonde. "This could be the key to getting Usagi back!"
"How do you know they will even agree to help us?" Michiru snapped, watching Ami shy away at the question as she nervously averted her gaze.
"We don't." Ami softly spoke, her voice almost a whisper as fresh filled her blue eyes. "But we won't know if we don't try." She insisted, lifting her gaze and meeting Michiru's skeptical gaze.
"We won't know if we don't ask for help." Rei stubbornly insisted. "We need all the help we can get if we're going to defeat this new enemy and bring Usagi back to us."
"You two are not going." Haruka snapped, sternly looking at the two.
"Who will go then?" Michiru asked knowing she and Haruka could not leave. "We cannot go to Kinmoku, Haruka. They need us here, who else could we send?"
"I will go." Sailor Pluto volunteered, watching the group look at her in surprise. "There have been no threats to the Time Gate, it will be best if I go in your stead and speak with the Kinmoku Princess and her Guardians."
"Sailor Pluto are you sure?" Michiru worriedly asked while standing and looking at her friend. "We could use your help here."
"I have the time gate to my advantage, I will be able to travel there and return much quicker." Sailor Pluto explained, then softly exhaled, tears shining in her eyes. "My duties to guard the Time Gate have come to an end. There is no future to protect until we can get our Princess back." She explained her hold briefly tightening around the staff of the Garnet Rod. "I will return soon with their answer, until then, please stay safe my friends." She urged, holding her garnet rod up, vanishing in a flash of bright light.
Softly sighing in defeat as Haruka angrily stood and exited the room, Michiru shook her head in silent frustration when hearing the front door soon slam shut announcing Haruka's swift departure. Hearing the squeal of tires moments later, she shook her head releasing the exasperated sigh she had been trying to contain before she silently stood. "I apologize for her rude behavior, but we still do not trust them. The last time they were here, they nearly brought ruin to this planet." She stated, before excusing herself and making her exit from the room.
"Even after everything they did? What they went through to keep her safe in the final battle?" Rei quietly asked, watching Michiru abruptly halt her steps, silently standing for a moment before quietly nodding her head before she spoke.
"Yes, they're not from our realm and outsiders cannot be trusted." Michiru calmly stated before silently exiting the den.
Stepping away from the doorway to allow Michiru room to pass her, Hotaru turned her concerned gaze towards the three remaining Inner Senshi with sympathy before she spoke. "Please understand, it was our duty to protect the realm during the Silver Millenium. We have seen and fought against powerful entities that threatened the Moon Kingdom. Please be more understanding as to why we are not as trustworthy as you and the Princess." She explained, watching the three silently lower their gazes for a moment.
"We understand, but that was the past." Rei softly stated, frustrated that the four Outer Senshi were still distrustful of the Sailor Starlights. "We have helped so many in the past because Sailor Moon was willing to-"
"Look where she is now." Hotaru interjected, not caring how harsh or blunt she was being towards the three. "Our Princess is serving the enemy and may be lost to us for good." She snapped, brushing away some stray tears from her cheeks as she lectured the three. "I miss her too, but we must accept that she is gone. We have to stay focused on our mission. Our mission is to stop the enemy from taking any more of these soul crystals, they've hurt too many because we're letting our emotions over our Princess get in the way. We have to stay focused on stopping this new enemy, only then will we be able to find a way to bring our Princess back to us."
"Hotaru." Luna gently stated, seeing how much the younger girl was hurting.
Blinking her tears back, Hotaru released a quivering breath before she spoke. "I'll be sitting with Minako if any of you need me." She stated, silently turning and exiting the room where she could cry in private.
"I hope the Sailor Starlights will agree to help us." Rei sighed as released a deep sigh, her heart heavy, hope wavering with every failed battle.
"We need their help." Ami softly stated, brushing some tears from her cheeks.
"They may be our only hope to get Usagi and Minako back." Makoto tearfully responded her stomach nervously twisting at the thought of the three Starlights' Princess refusing their request for help. 'I hope Sailor Pluto can persuade their Princess.'
To Be Continued...
Chapter Revised: 9/27/22
Whew, another chapter finally revised! I forgot how much was going on in this story! It's been years since I last read through this one! XD
Leave me a review and let me know what you think is going to happen. I love hearing your thoughts on what's happened so far, and what you suspect will happen! :)
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-SQG